NC State Faces Uncertainty with Multiple Key Players in Question
Injuries have been a persistent challenge for the NC State Wolfpack throughout the season. As they prepare to face No. 8 Georgia Tech, the team is dealing with uncertainty regarding several key players. Four potential starters are listed as game-time decisions on the ACC’s game day availability report, raising concerns about the team's readiness for the upcoming matchup.
Among those in question are senior tight end Justin Joly, senior safety JJ Johnson, redshirt sophomore running back Hollywood Smothers, and redshirt freshman safety Ronnie Royal III. Their statuses will be crucial in determining how the Wolfpack approaches the game against the Yellow Jackets.
Hollywood Smothers: A Star in Question
Hollywood Smothers has been a standout performer for NC State this season, currently leading the ACC in rushing with 825 yards and six touchdowns on 120 carries. His average of 6.9 yards per carry would be the best single-season mark in program history if the season ended today.
Smothers has shown consistency by reaching the 100-yard mark in four of the first eight games, including a career-high 164 yards on 24 attempts in the Week 3 win at Wake Forest. However, he has not surpassed 100 yards in the last two games, recording 46 yards against Notre Dame and 86 yards against Pitt. An open date in between has left the team hoping for a strong performance from their leading rusher.
Justin Joly: A Reliable Target
Justin Joly, the Wolfpack’s most-used wide receiver, has made 36 catches for 365 yards and five touchdowns this season. He recently exited NC State’s loss at Pitt after injuring his quad on a 59-yard touchdown catch, which led to a career-high 101 yards and two scores. This was his second multi-touchdown game of the season, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Joly, a former UConn transfer, has never missed a game in his NC State career, playing all 13 games last season and the first eight this fall. His presence on the field provides a big-bodied target for sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey to connect with over the middle. His potential as an NFL draft pick adds another layer of importance to his availability.
Injuries Impacting Other Key Players
JJ Johnson missed the loss at Pitt due to injury, while Ronnie Royal III left the game in the third quarter and did not return. These absences could significantly affect the team’s defensive strategy.
List of Players Out for the Game
The rest of NC State’s availability report against Georgia Tech includes several notable players who will not be available:
- LB Sean Brown
- S Rente Hinton
- DB Isaiah Crowell
- WR Jonathan Paylor
- CB Jaren Sensabaugh
- LB AJ Richardson
- LB Cole Wilson
- S Daemon Fagan
- LB Sterling Dixon
- S Brody Barnhardt
- DL Steven Stokes III
- OL Tyler West
- OL Spike Sowells Jr.
- OL Trent Mitchell
These players represent a mix of defensive and offensive contributors, and their absence could impact the team's overall performance. With so many key players in question, the Wolfpack will need to rely on depth and adaptability to compete against Georgia Tech.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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